November 23, 2021
Russ Arbuckle: Architect, board director
Russ Arbuckle is co-owner and managing principal of EA Architecture & Design, Inc., a 4-person, local architecture and interior design firm with a very expansive practice. They provide professional design services in an array of project types spanning commercial, multi-family and single-family residential, and industrial. A significant portion of their portfolio is franchise work in any of the twelve states in which their firm is licensed.
 
Russ and wife Mary have two boys - an Illinois grad and an Iowa State grad, both of whom now live and work in Minnesota.
 
“As an architect, I have worked with Habitat McLean County for at least fifteen years,” Russ said, “including playing a significant role in the various remodeling projects and ultimately the addition to the ReStore. That work led to a position on the construction committee which, a few years back, led to a position on the board of directors.”
 
In addition to the Board of Directors, Russ continues to serve on the construction committee and is a member of the Bill McConnell memorial committee.
 
“I have spent my whole life in and around the construction industry, having had a residential construction company for a decade prior to my career in architecture,” said Russ. “Housing people has always been near and dear to my heart. As I got to know more about Habitat for Humanity of McLean County, I came to realize how strongly my life philosophy - to help those who need help - fits into and complements the mission of Habitat. So much the better that at the heart of it all is home construction.”

We are always looking for talented community members to lend their skills in service of our mission of building decent, affordable housing. If you'd like to learn more about the Habitat McLean County board, email BOD President Sheri Bruun here.
Crossroads Gives Thanks and Gives Back
Support a local small business and Women Build when you shop for a cause this holiday season. 

Crossroads is a fair trade local business providing equal opportunity, living wages and sustainable living for artisans, their families and communities in poverty around the world.

Women Build is a woman-run team of dedicated Habitat volunteers who partner with one of our families every year to empower them to build a better future as they build a house together.

You can support both as you Give Thanks and Give Back.

Two ways to help:
  1. Type “Women Build” in the Notes section of online orders placed NOW through Dec 17 to donate 15% of your purchase. Avoid shipping and handling charges by using curbside pick-up.
  2. On December 10th, mention Habitat Women Build when you check out in-store at 428 N Main Street, Bloomington and 15% of your purchase will be donated to Women Build.
Take a look at Crossroads online catalog to put your gift list together now.  
We have so much to be thankful for at this time of year:

The opportunity to work with our Partner Families and get to know them as we work side by side.

Our amazing, dedicated volunteers who show up and put everything they have into the build site, the ReStore, making and bringing food for the builders, and serving on the board of directors and various committees.

Our generous donors and sponsors who continue to put building safe, affordable, decent homes at the top of their priority list.

And everyone who supports the ReStore, whether it's through donations, shopping, or sharing it with friends and family.

We are thankful for you all. Have a safe and joyous Thanksgiving!